Ever notice how often people say, "Have a nice day" instead of extending a simple "thanks" or "goodbye?" I never noticed. Until Wednesday, that is.
On that day it seemed that's all I heard : from the receptionist, "Have a nice day!" From the pharmacist, "Have a nice day!" From the gas station attendant and bank clerk and grocery attendant, "Have a nice day!"
And I wanted to slap each and every one of them and tell them to shut the hell up because no, as a matter of fact I won't be having a nice day since my mother was just diagnosed with stage 3 Ovarian cancer and I'm sick to my stomach and stressed and scared, and until every single cancerous cell is eradicated from her body and I know that she's going to be around to celebrate my sister's "zero-birthday" in two years, be with us to enjoy Christmas 2013, or attend her granddaughter's graduation ceremony from veterinary school in eight years, I don't know when any of us might ever have a nice day again so please, keep your damn "have a nice day" to yourself.
That's what I wanted to say.
But I bit my tongue. There's no sense wasting energy on someone's misguided attempt at civility.
We have bigger battles in store.
2 comments:
Eileen, I'm really, really sorry. I can't even imagine what you, your Mom and your family are going through. I would want to punch out the world too. Vent, rage, do whatever it takes to help you get through this so you can be there for your Mom.
Please know that you have people out there sending love and healing thoughts your way.
Dear friend - you're never far from my thoughts. My heart goes out to you, your mom and your family. I'm so sorry this is happening.
I am sending wishes for healing for your mom, and a return of peace for you.
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